StudentsFirst

StudentsFirst organizes its policy agenda into three categories: "elevate teaching," "empower parents," and "govern well."{{Cite web |url=http://www.studentsfirst.org/policy |title=Policy & Fiscal Strategy | StudentsFirst.org |access-date=2022-02-19 |archive-date=2014-10-30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141030054159/http://www.studentsfirst.org/policy |url-status=live }}

Under what it calls "elevate teaching," StudentsFirst has sought to eliminate the "last in, first out"—or LIFO -- seniority system for laying off public school teachers, based on the premise that such a system promotes a sense of "adult entitlement" among teachers. The organization also supports teacher evaluation systems based on improvement in student test scores, and does not believe such assessment systems cause teachers to alter the test scores.

"Empower parents" refers broadly to policies that allow for increased choice in where a student attends school, such as increasing accessibility to charter schools and providing opt-out options for students whose local public school is deemed "low-performing." StudentsFirst supports parent trigger laws, such as the California law that served as the plot for the movie Won't Back Down.

"Govern well" refers to policies in regards to school spending and resource allocation.{{Cite web |url=http://www.studentsfirst.org/policy-agenda/entry/accountability-and-smart-spending |title=Policy Priority 3: Spend Taxpayer Resources Wisely to Get Better Results for Students | StudentsFirst.org |access-date=2022-02-19 |archive-date=2013-09-05 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130905194740/http://www.studentsfirst.org/policy-agenda/entry/accountability-and-smart-spending |url-status=live }}

In January 2013, StudentsFirst published a "policy report card" evaluating each of the 50 states' public educations laws and rules against its own policy agenda.{{Cite web |url=http://reportcard.studentsfirst.org/ |title=Archived copy |access-date=2022-02-19 |archive-date=2018-12-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181202010646/http://reportcard.studentsfirst.org/ |url-status=live }} The survey suggested states publicly finance charter schools, institute test-linked "performance pay packages" for teachers, repeal laws capping class sizes, and end teacher tenure. No state received an "A" and only two states, Florida and Louisiana, received "B"s.

According to the Los Angeles Times, StudentsFirst "spent nearly $2 million" in the 2012 general election cycle "to support 105 candidates across the country,"Los Angeles Times, "[https://www.latimes.com/local/la-xpm-2013-mar-26-la-me-michelle-rhee-20130327-story.html Taking a crack at California's education system] ," March 26, 2013 90 of whom were Republicans.Denvir, Daniel (Nov. 17, 2012). "[http://www.salon.com/2012/11/17/michele_rhees_right_turn/ Michelle Rhee’s right turn] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130109201538/http://www.salon.com/2012/11/17/michele_rhees_right_turn/ |date=2013-01-09 }}". Salon.com. Retrieved 2013-01-09.

StudentsFirst supports the Student Success Act, legislation signed into law by Governor Rick Scott of Florida; Michigan legislation that will remove a teacher's tenure status after a bad evaluation; and similar proposals in Georgia, Indiana, Minnesota, Nevada, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Tennessee. The organization's activities have been the subject of significant coverage with articles appearing in the Huffington Post, National Public Radio, Education News Colorado, The Washington Post, The New York Times, and USA Today.

The organization has received seed money from the Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation, a backer of educational reform in school districts. As of May 2011, it had 21 staff members, and planned to engage in lobbying, the drafting of legislation and the backing of candidates for elected office.

In October 2011, StudentsFirst launched an initiative to defend Michigan Republican Paul Scott against a recall effort,{{cite news|url=http://www.mlive.com/news/flint/index.ssf/2011/10/michelle_rhee_group_studentsfi.html|title=Michelle Rhee group StudentsFirst spends thousands to support Rep. Paul Scott in recall fight|agency=Flint Journal |work=mlive.com |date=October 25, 2011 |accessdate=October 26, 2011|archive-date=October 28, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111028182108/http://www.mlive.com/news/flint/index.ssf/2011/10/michelle_rhee_group_studentsfi.html|url-status=live}} dedicating nearly $70,000 to the initiative.{{cite web| url = http://www.politico.com/blogs/bensmith/1111/StudentsFirst_claims_victory_in_Michigan_loss_.html | title = StudentsFirst claims victory in Michigan loss - POLITICO| website = Politico| access-date = 2013-02-08| archive-date = 2013-09-27| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130927151937/http://www.politico.com/blogs/bensmith/1111/StudentsFirst_claims_victory_in_Michigan_loss_.html| url-status = live}} Scott's opponent in the upcoming race, Bobbie Walton, said StudentsFirst's involvement in the local election was "evidence of a national push to discredit teachers unions."{{cite web |url=http://www.mlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2011/10/special_interest_groups_spend.html |title=Special interest groups spend thousands on Rep. Paul Scott recall effort as Supreme Court keeps issue on November ballot |publisher=mlive.com |date= 27 October 2011 |access-date=2022-02-19 |archive-date=2018-11-16 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181116051959/https://www.mlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2011/10/special_interest_groups_spend.html |url-status=live }} On November 8, 2011 Scott was recalled.

Former chairman Joseph P. Watkins was named Receiver of Schools in Chester, Pennsylvania in 2012.{{cite news |last1=Hardy |first1=Dan |title=New Chester Upland chief is change agent and lightning rod |url=http://articles.philly.com/2012-08-27/news/33403540_1_vouchers-and-charters-public-education-pennsylvania-history |work=The Philadelphia Inquirer |date=August 27, 2012 |access-date=October 13, 2016 |archive-date=September 22, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150922081338/http://articles.philly.com/2012-08-27/news/33403540_1_vouchers-and-charters-public-education-pennsylvania-history |url-status=dead }}

As of September 2013, the members of StudentsFirst's Board of Directors were{{Cite web |url=http://www.studentsfirst.org/pages/studentsfirst-board-of-directors |title=StudentsFirst Board of Directors | StudentsFirst.org |access-date=2022-02-19 |archive-date=2013-09-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130920010556/http://www.studentsfirst.org/pages/studentsfirst-board-of-directors |url-status=live }}

• Joel I. Klein
• Roland S. Martin
• Eva Moskowitz
• Michelle Rhee
• Jalen Rose
• Blair Taylor

Appearing on The Oprah Winfrey Show in 2010, Rhee announced a goal of raising $1 billion and garnering one million members. In actuality, the organization reported it have raised $7.8 million in its first fiscal year and $28.5 million in its second.{{cite news|last1=Resmovitz|first1=Joy|title=Michelle Rhee's StudentsFirst Missed Its Fundraising Goal, Tax Documents Reveal|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/07/02/michelle-rhee-studentsfirst_n_3535480.html|accessdate=2 April 2016|agency=Huffington Post|date=2 July 2013|archive-date=15 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160415090123/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/07/02/michelle-rhee-studentsfirst_n_3535480.html|url-status=live}}

StudentsFirst has received funding from Michael Bloomberg as well as the Laura and John Arnold Foundation. The latter committed $20 million to the initiative in 2012, to be paid out over a five-year period.{{cite news|url = http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/05/15/michelle-rhee-education-a_n_1519720.html|title = Michelle Rhee, Education Activists Targeting U.S. Schools, Backed By Big Bucks|last = Simon|first = Stephanie|date = May 15, 2012|accessdate = March 25, 2014|work = Huffington Post|agency = Reuters|archive-date = March 26, 2014|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140326100450/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/05/15/michelle-rhee-education-a_n_1519720.html|url-status = live}}{{cite news|url = http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/06/25/corrected-national-educat_n_1626053.html|title = StudentsFirst Spending: National Education Reform Group's Partial Tax Records Released|last = Simon|first = Stephanie|date = June 25, 2012|accessdate = March 25, 2014|work = Huffington Post|agency = Reuters|archive-date = March 26, 2014|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140326095150/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/06/25/corrected-national-educat_n_1626053.html|url-status = live}}

• The New Teacher Project
• Teach for America

{{Reflist|30em|refs=

{{cite news |last=Turque |first=Bill |url=http://voices.washingtonpost.com/dcschools/2011/03/rhee_dc_school_bureaucracy_mak.html |title=D.C. Schools Insider - Rhee: D.C. school bureaucracy makes 'no sense' |newspaper=The Washington Post |access-date=May 29, 2010 |archive-date=October 14, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121014201201/http://voices.washingtonpost.com/dcschools/2011/03/rhee_dc_school_bureaucracy_mak.html |url-status=dead }}

{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/roomfordebate/2011/01/26/grading-the-education-president/change-the-teaching-profession |title=Change the Teaching Profession - Room for Debate |work=The New York Times |date=January 26, 2011 |accessdate=May 29, 2011 |archive-date=March 31, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110331044318/http://www.nytimes.com/roomfordebate/2011/01/26/grading-the-education-president/change-the-teaching-profession |url-status=live }}

{{cite web|url=https://www.npr.org/2011/02/26/134087838/former-d-c-schools-chief-aims-to-put-studentsfirst |title=Former D.C. Schools Chancellor Michelle Rhee Aims To Put 'StudentsFirst' |publisher=NPR |date=February 26, 2011 |accessdate=May 29, 2011}}

{{cite news |url=https://www.usatoday.com/news/education/2011-05-05-michelle-rhee-dc-schools-cheating_n.htm |title=Inquiry sought into D.C. test scores |newspaper=USA Today |date=May 5, 2011 |accessdate=May 29, 2010 |first1=Marisol |last1=Bello |first2=Jack |last2=Gillum |archive-date=May 5, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110505235000/http://www.usatoday.com/news/education/2011-05-05-michelle-rhee-dc-schools-cheating_n.htm |url-status=live }}

{{cite web |url=http://www.freep.com/article/20110520/NEWS05/105200398/Lawmakers-seek-tenure-reforms-say-firing-bad-teachers-too-costly |title=Lawmakers seek tenure reforms, say firing bad teachers too costly |work=Detroit Free Press |date=May 20, 2011 |accessdate=May 29, 2010 |archive-date=May 22, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110522012535/http://www.freep.com/article/20110520/NEWS05/105200398/Lawmakers-seek-tenure-reforms-say-firing-bad-teachers-too-costly |url-status=live }}

{{cite web |url=http://www.studentsfirst.org/pages/last-in-first-out-a-policy-that-hurts-students-teachers-and-communities |title='Last In, First Out' Hurts Students, Teachers, and Communities |publisher=StudentsFirst.org |accessdate=May 29, 2010 |archive-date=February 27, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110227213245/http://www.studentsfirst.org/pages/last-in-first-out-a-policy-that-hurts-students-teachers-and-communities |url-status=live }}

{{cite web |url=http://www.studentsfirst.org/blog/entry/movement-to-reform-our-schools-gaining-ground/ |title=Movement to Reform Our Schools Gaining Ground |publisher=StudentsFirst.org |accessdate=May 29, 2010 |archive-date=May 30, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110530222153/http://www.studentsfirst.org/blog/entry/movement-to-reform-our-schools-gaining-ground/ |url-status=live }}

{{cite web |url=http://www.ednewscolorado.org/2010/12/14/11482-michelle-rhees-next-move-studentsfirst |title=Michelle Rhee's next move: Students First |publisher=EdNewsColorado |date=December 14, 2010 |accessdate=May 29, 2010 |archive-date=December 19, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101219065736/http://www.ednewscolorado.org/2010/12/14/11482-michelle-rhees-next-move-studentsfirst |url-status=live }}

{{cite news|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/larry-strauss/students-first-and-other-_1_b_821865.html |author=Larry Strauss|title=Students First and Other Lies|date=February 11, 2011|accessdate=May 29, 2011|work=Huffington Post |archive-date=February 16, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110216195544/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/larry-strauss/students-first-and-other-_1_b_821865.html|url-status=live}}

{{cite web |url=http://www.studentsfirst.org/pages/state-action/florida |title=Florida |publisher=StudentsFirst.org |accessdate=May 29, 2010 |archive-date=February 27, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110227212604/http://www.studentsfirst.org/pages/state-action/florida |url-status=live }}

{{cite news|last=Bell|first=Dawson|title=Rep. Paul Scott recalled, concedes defeat |url=http://www.freep.com/article/20111108/NEWS06/111108082/Rep-Paul-Scott-recalled-concedes-defeat |accessdate=2013-03-10 |newspaper=Detroit Free Press|date=2011-11-08|archive-date=2013-04-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130430010645/http://www.freep.com/article/20111108/NEWS06/111108082/Rep-Paul-Scott-recalled-concedes-defeat?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CFRONTPAGE|url-status=live}}

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• [http://www.kqed.org/a/forum/R201202130900 Rhee-Style Education Reform], KQED
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20050204081025/http://www.studentsfirst.org/ StudentsFirst Website]
• [http://bigrapidsdailynews.com/?q=news/2011/05/23/teacher-tenure-reform Teacher tenure reform], Big Rapids Daily Press, May 23, 2011.

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Category:2010 establishments in the United States

Category:Educational organizations based in the United States

Category:Lobbying organizations based in Washington, D.C.

Category:Organizations established in 2010